Australia is to buy four modified examples of the Gulfstream G550 business jet, designated the MC-55A ‘Peregrine’, to strengthen the country’s electronic warfare (EW) capabilities, Defence Minister Christopher Pyne and Minister for Defence Industry Linda Reynolds announced on 18 March.

The pair said in a joint statement that the AUD2.4 billion (USD1.68 billion) acquisition would actively strengthen EW support to naval, air, and land forces for operations in complex electromagnetic environments.

The MC-55A would be integrated into the country’s joint warfighting networks “providing a critical link between platforms, including the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter, E-7A Wedgetail, EA-18G Growler, navy surface combatants and amphibious assault ships, and ground assets to support the warfighter,” Pyne stated.

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